The Holy Bible has continually been the best-selling book through all the centuries of time. It is the most credible and reliable source of spiritual truth and practical wisdom ever written. Here's why.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT ITSELF

II Timothy 3:16 and II Peter 1:21-22 say that it is inspired by God. Hebrews 4:12 claims it can divide the soul and the spirit, and judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. The Bible is THE truth, we are told in John 17:17. Psalm 119:105 declares it is a lamp to our feet and a light unto our path. It is by the Word of God that one develops faith. (Romans 10:17)

HOW THE BIBLE CAME ABOUT

The Old and New Testaments combined were written over a span of about 1500 years by dozens of different inspired writers, from many walks of life. With all of this, the same themes run throughout. Many of the stories in the Old Testament are a foreshadowing of events in the New Testament.

Suppose an English teacher gave an assignment to every student in her class. She told them that they could write about anything they wanted. When the papers were turned in and read, the teacher discovered to her amazement, that the students all wrote on the exact same topic, though from different perspectives. This is a small snapshot of the big picture of how the Bible came to be, which can be explained only by the inspiration of God.

The New Testament, of course, was written after the time Jesus was upon the earth. but within the first century. The four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were all written no more than one generation after Jesus by people who had first hand eyewitness experience. In fact, one source indicates that the Gospels had to be written before AD 60 because of very significant events occurring after that date, which are not mentioned. Another indicator is that they can't be considered myths or legends because many people were still alive as eyewitnesses in addition to the Gospel writers. According to experts in the field of historical manuscripts, there are far more copies of the New Testament than any other historical writings, and dating to the earliest time. In addition to all of this, the following Bible passages testify to first hand accounts: II Peter 1:16; Acts 1:1-3; Luke 1:1-4; and I John 1:1-3.
The entire New Testament was written by those who had personal interactions with Jesus, which makes it more reliable than our own history books.

FULFILLED PROPHECY

Many Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in the New Testament, over 300 of which were fulfilled by Jesus himself. Even the place of the birth of Jesus (Micah 5:2) and how he would die (Isaiah 53) were foretold in the Old Testament. Some prophecies from both Testaments are being fulfilled right now in our current world events, literally, and to the exact detail. History is unfolding just like the Bible said it would thousands of years ago. God has a grand plan, and the Bible tells us what it is.

ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORY CONFIRM THE BIBLE

Was there really a flood that covered the entire world? There is scientific and geological evidence for it. Go to organizations like the Institute for Creation Research and see what they have to say about it. Did Moses and the children of Israel actually cross the Red Sea? Did the Egyptian army that chased them drown?In the book, MY STRUGGLE WITH FAITH, by Joseph Girzone, very convincing evidence is presented supporting this scenario. Other archaeological findings have turned up ancient cities and artifacts mentioned in the Bible. More geological and historical evidence could be given, in addition to what I have mentioned, if I wanted to take the time and space to do so.

WHAT ABOUT CONTRADICTIONS?

If one examines closely the immediate context of a verse or passage of scripture and compares it with other verses that speak to the same topic, one will get a feel for what scripture has to say about it on an overall basis. The Bible does a superb job of interpreting itself. When a thorough and comprehensive study is done on a particular topic, it will be discovered that some things that appear as apparent contradictions are not.

HOW CAN IT BE INSPIRED IF THERE IS SO MUCH EVIL IN IT?

People have said, "How can the Bible be inspired when there is so much evil in it?"
There is a simple answer to that question. Much of the Bible is a book of human history and sinful human nature. However, it also tells how God has stepped into the middle of it all to offer His redeeming grace and salvation to all who believe.

LIFE-CHANGING POWER

More lives have been transformed down through all of history from reading and applying the truths contained in the Bible, than any other book. No self-help books, or books on psychology, motivation, success, or you name it, don't even come close to impacting lives. That is because this inspired book deals with the issues of one's heart and soul. It is God's letter to all of humanity. It is through this book that God, the Creator of the universe, and of you and me, has chosen to communicate his overwhelming love for us, and our need for a Savior. The Bible, especially the Old Testament, shows the sinful condition of humanity. The death and resurrection of Jesus shows the means by which one can have salvation and eternal life, and be spared from eternal judgment.

The Bible describes some people as being "willfully ignorant." If you choose to believe the Bible you will be able to see the awesome power of God all through history, Then its message will be living in your life.